BENEFITS OF DOUBT

 BENEFITS OF DOUBT 

Benefit of doubt: 

Conviction must be based on unimpeachable evidence and certainty of guilt and any doubt arising in the prosecution case must be resolved in favour of the accused. (Peshawar)

2020 PCr.LJ.68

If a single circumstance created reasonable doubt in prudent mind about the guilt of the accused, then accused would be entitled to its benefit not as a matter of grace and concession but as a matter of right, hence single doubt was sufficient to acquit the accused

2020 PCr.LJ Note 14

If any reasonable doubt arises in the prosecution case, the benefit thereof would be extended to the accused not as a matter of grace or concession but as a matter of right.2020 PCr.LJ Note 2

If there was an element of doubt as to guilt of accused, benefit of the same must be extended to him. Doubt must be reasonable and not imaginary or artificial. Rule of benefit of doubt, was a rule of prudence which could not be ignored while dispensing justice in accordance with law.

2020 PCr.LJ Note 12

 Slightest but reasonable doubt would always be sufficient for acquittal of accused. 

 2020 PCr.LJ Note 10